collaborative post | So, you’ve decided to trade your spot in the bleachers for a whistle and a striped shirt—congratulations! Officiating high school football might not be the easiest gig on Friday nights, but it’s definitely one of the most rewarding. You get the best seat in the house, you stay active, and you become part of the heartbeat of the game.
But before you step onto that field and start calling touchdowns and timeouts, there’s something crucial you need to think about: your gear. Because showing up in the right uniform isn’t just about looking professional—it’s about safety, credibility, and respecting the game you’re helping to run.
Here’s everything you need to know about finding the right football officiating gear for the 2026 season, from head to toe.
Know Who Sets the Standards
At the high school level, your gear isn’t just about personal preference—it’s about compliance. Most states follow the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) rules, which lay out what referees should wear and how they should look on the field.
Your state high school athletic association (like the Virginia High School League or Texas UIL) might add a few extra rules—so before buying anything, check your state’s official officiating guide.
Here are the basics across most states:
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Referees (crew chiefs) wear white caps, while everyone else on the crew wears black.
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Shirts have black-and-white stripes, with 1-inch or 2-inch patterns depending on your association.
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Pants are black with white side stripes (pleated or flat-front is usually fine).
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Black shoes, black socks, black belt—spot the theme here?
The key takeaway: consistency is everything. A crew that matches looks organized and professional—and that instantly builds respect from coaches and players.
The Core Uniform Essentials
If you’re brand new, here’s the starting lineup for your uniform and accessories:
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Shirt: Black-and-white stripes, short- or long-sleeved depending on weather. Moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool (and dry) during late-August games.
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Pants: Black with a white side stripe. Go for lightweight material that allows movement—you’ll be running more than you think.
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Cap: White for the referee, black for everyone else. A flex-fit style looks sharp and stays put on windy nights.
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Shoes: All-black, low-profile shoes made for turf or grass. They should offer good grip and plenty of cushioning—you’ll thank yourself after your first double-overtime game.
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Belt & Socks: Plain black—no flash, no logos, just clean and classic.
The Tools of the Trade
Now for the fun part: the gear that helps you make the calls.
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Whistle: Your most important tool. A Fox 40 Classic or similar model gives you a clear, loud sound that cuts through the crowd noise.
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Penalty Flag: Bright gold with a weighted center, because style and precision both count.
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Bean Bag: Used to mark spots for fumbles or changes in possession—small but mighty.
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Down Indicator: A stretchy elastic loop for your finger, helping you keep track of downs (you’d be surprised how easy it is to lose count mid-drive).
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Game Card & Pencil: Old-school but essential. Keep track of penalties, timeouts, and player numbers.
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Flip Coin: For the all-important pregame toss—it’s your moment of ceremony before the chaos begins.
If you’re putting together your first kit, you’ll find everything you need in one place from officiating suppliers that specialize in football officiating gear—like Honig’s, which has been the go-to name for decades.
Extras Worth Considering
A few items won’t appear on the official checklist, but every experienced ref will tell you they’re game-changers:
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Jacket or Pullover: Great for chilly games or pregame meetings.
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Gloves: For cold weather, or when handling wet footballs.
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Compression Gear: Keeps muscles warm and comfortable through long games.
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Gear Bag: Keeps everything organized—trust us, searching for your whistle five minutes before kickoff isn’t fun.
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Sunscreen & Water: Because fall games can be surprisingly sunny and long.
Maintenance Matters
Once you’ve got your gear, take care of it. Wash and press your shirts, clean your shoes, and replace worn flags or bean bags as needed. Officials who look neat and organized immediately command more respect—and let’s be honest, it feels pretty good walking onto the field looking game-day ready.
A clean uniform isn’t vanity—it’s professionalism. Coaches and players notice when an official takes pride in their appearance, and it sets the tone for the whole game.
Budgeting for Your First Season
Starting from scratch? Expect to spend around $250 to $400 for your full starter kit. You can buy everything separately, but many officiating retailers (including Honig’s) offer starter packages with shirts, pants, whistles, flags, and accessories bundled together.
Start with the essentials—shirt, pants, shoes, whistle, and flags—and upgrade your kit as you go. Most referees add extras like jackets and gear bags over time.
Final Whistle
Officiating isn’t just about making the right call—it’s about showing up ready, equipped, and confident. The right gear helps you stay comfortable, look professional, and focus on the action instead of your aching feet.
So before that first whistle blows, take a few minutes to double-check your bag. Got your whistle? Your flag? Your lucky coin? Great. Now you’re ready to hit the field knowing you’re equipped like a pro—with the right football officiating gear and the right attitude to match.
Because when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you call a cleaner game.
